Category Archives: Review

Cinequest 2025 – Burt

Posted on March 20, 2025 by ricbret

Burt, a 69-year-old street musician with Parkinson’s, welcomes Sammy, a young man claiming to be his long-lost son, into his home. The independent film explores their evolving relationship and the lives of flawed characters, set against a beautifully crafted black-and-white backdrop. It’s a touching narrative with impressive production within a limited budget. Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2025 – Cast Members

Posted on March 20, 2025 by Debbie Bretschneider

“Cast Members” is a six-minute short film that explores the challenges faced by theme park performers when one of them lands a significant TV role, leading to existential questions and a musical journey. Created by sisters Emily Wilson and Sarah Wilson Thacker, the film could expand into a series, enriching the characters’ stories. Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2025 – Cotton Candy Bubble Gum

Posted on March 19, 2025 by ricbret

Carter, a 21-year-old mama’s boy still living at home, faces an ultimatum after his mom gets engaged to her vindictive cop boyfriend: secure a paid promotion at his internship by the end of the day or find a new place … Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2025 – Alien

Posted on March 13, 2025 by ricbret

The film “Alien” presents a unique Russian science fiction story set in a Ural village, focusing on Lyosha, a hearing-impaired man seeking extraterrestrial contact after his mother’s mysterious disappearance. The film explores themes of alienation and connection, enhanced by striking visuals and a compelling mystery involving a telepathic girl who enters his life. Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2025 – Shorts Program 3: Genre Quest

Posted on March 9, 2025 by ricbret

The Cinequest Genre Quest block of short films is excellent overall, with a number of film genres represented in bite size and slightly larger sizes. Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2025 – Maura and Maggie Get Callbacks

Posted on March 8, 2025 by Debbie Bretschneider

Maura and Maggie, friends in New York City, challenge age barriers in the entertainment industry. Their documentary combines humor and heart, sharing stories of resilience and the chase for dreams despite life’s challenges. As they create a two-person show, they navigate friendship and ambition.. Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2025 – Time Travel is Dangerous

Posted on March 6, 2025 by ricbret

Best friends Ruth and Megan discover a time machine and travel to the past to collect vintage items for their North London shop. Their adventures avoid changing history, filled with comedic elements reminiscent of Monty Python. The film, shot in a documentary style, delivers an inventive take on time travel. Continue reading →

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The 2025 Saturn Awards for Science Fiction

Posted on February 3, 2025 by ricbret

My review of the Saturn Awards show along with a list of award winners. Continue reading →

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Review: Korak at the Earth’s Core

Posted on March 20, 2024 by ricbret

Korak at the Earths Core is a welcome addition and continues the evolution of the world of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ Tarzan. Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2024 – Wrapup and Last Chance Reviews

Posted on March 19, 2024 by ricbret

Cinequest wrapped up on Sunday with the Maverick awards ceremony, recognizing the work of Mathew Modine, and a showing Hard Miles starring Modine. And although that was the only opportunity to see Hard Miles, many Cinequest features and shorts streaming … Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2024 – And Cut!

Posted on March 15, 2024 by ricbret

Set in the heart of the Indian Film Industry, a tiny new film production house in Mumbai navigates everyday challenges while struggling under the leadership of an eccentric director and a sharp-tongued, openly gay producer. All, while being filmed by … Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2024 – One Night in Tokyo

Posted on March 13, 2024 by Debbie Bretschneider

What do you do when you arrive in Tokyo for a week and immediately your girlfriend breaks up with you?  Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2024 – Human Resources

Posted on March 5, 2024 by ricbret

This one of a series of reviews from this year’s Cinequest film festival in San Jose, California. Read more about the festival here, and buy tickets for showings of this and other films here. Update: 3/8/2024I meant to add an … Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2023 – Paul & Trisha The Art of Fluidity

Posted on August 27, 2023 by Debbie Bretschneider

As Paul says “not everybody gets you”. And Paul & Trisha are ok with that. Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2023 – Danny Goes Aum

Posted on August 22, 2023 by Debbie Bretschneider

Danny Goes Aum is an inspirational movie without trying to teach us something, which is what makes it enjoyable. Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2023 – Oliver and the Pool

Posted on August 18, 2023 by Debbie Bretschneider

Oliver and the Pool – Does grief need isolation or company? Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2023 – Minnesota Mean

Posted on August 14, 2023 by Debbie Bretschneider

I was excited to see the documentary Minnesota Mean on the Cinequest lineup. I have fond memories of watching roller derby with my Dad in the 60’s, so I was anxious to revisit the sport. And it didn’t let me … Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2023: Share?

Posted on August 9, 2023 by ricbret

In 1969 Canadian televison produceed a one hour teleplay by Jim Hensen called The Cube. It was only broadcast twice, and although you can find it on YouTube it isn’t terribly well known or noted. The Cube was certainly was … Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2023: Tomorrow

Posted on August 8, 2023 by ricbret

If I were to tell you that this movie is about someone who wakes up each morning in a different body, always yearning to go back “home,” you’d probably say “Oh yeah, Quantum Leap! I loved that show!” But this … Continue reading →

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Cinequest 2022: The Smoke Master

Posted on August 26, 2022 by ricbret

I’m sure you have wondered, as I have, what would it be like if Cheech and Chong had produced a Drunken Master martial arts action film. No, well, perhaps you should start thinking about it. Continue reading →

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